​SUPERSTAR singer Mariah Carey is due to receive the Angel for Animals Award from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for helping promote animal adoption and shed light on the responsibility of caring for them in the animated adaptation of her hit song "All I Want for Christmas Is You".

“Mariah Carey is PETA’s hero for homeless animals for encouraging families to adopt from their local shelter,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “Her holiday film reminds us all that caring for an animal is a responsibility, not just a fantasy — but the one sweet day when you meet the dog who will always be your baby and you know that you belong together.”

This year, Carey produced, narrated and provided the music for the animated film version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. It tells the story of a young girl and a homeless mutt who fulfills her Christmas wish. Animated “Mariah” and her puppy Jack (named for one of Carey’s beloved pets) struggle at first, but she eventually learns to treat her adopted fur baby with patience and understanding.

“Mariah Carey is PETA's angel for homeless animals for promoting animal adoption this holiday season,” says PETA Senior Cruelty Case Officer Jana Sevilla. "Every time someone buys a cat or a dog from a breeder or a pet shop, animals on the streets or in shelters lose their chance at finding a good home. We thank Mariah for encouraging people to open their hearts and homes to loving animals who are anxiously waiting at shelters for a new life.”